Design & Access Statement

Practice, Management and Law

Design & Access Statement

Mohammed Amir Amin 3rd Year Architecture University of Salford

Project Team Role: Client: Client

Architect Structural Engineer

Salford City Council Salford Civic Centre, Swinton M27 5AW

Mohammed Amir Amin A2 Architects University of Salford The Crescent, Salford M5 4WT

Taliyah Heimerdiger Engineers Union Consultants Ltd 840 New Street, Paisley PA53 2WN

Planning Officer

Jack Kennen Greater Manchester City Council 12 Chester Road, Truro TR23 2UJ

Quantity Surveyor

Samira Kench Tahm Associate Ltd 63 Church Lane, Falkirk FK30 3JC

M&E Consultant

Victor Lee Lee Mechanical & Electrical 81 The Green, Kilmarnock KA34 4VG

Building Control Officer

Zack Graves Noxus Companies 8 Park Road, Birmigham B30 0EP

CDM Co-ordinator

Caitlyn Maokai Void Building Developers 34 The Grove, Lancaster LA89 8DB

Main Contractor

Garen Malzahar Zaun Contractors 12 Station Road, Coventry CV72 5WP

Sub Contractor

Gwen Velkoz Piltiover Limiteds 12 NewTree Road, Manchester M52 5EP

Responsibilities:

Client Team - Commissioning the project - Setting a required budget and needs - Develope project brief and sign off

Design Team - Design of the building - Acting as a mediator for infomation from different sources - Producing information required for construction

Construction Team - Prepare the construction programme - Ensure safety during construction - Assess and manage risks - Secure site and materials needed for construction

Stakeholders - Responsible for information signoff or consent - Involvement or contributions can be asked - Doesn’t directly have a contract with the project team

Contents 1.0 Project Introduction; Pages 1 - 3 - 1.1 Overview - 1.2 Brief

2.0 Site Analysis; Pages 4 - 13 -

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6

Context Conditions Site Photography History Surroundings Planning Guidence

3.0 Design; Pages 14 - 19 -

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

Use Amount Layout Scale Landscaping Appearence

4.0 References; Page 20

Page. 1

Waterfront Quay, Salford, Proposed Gallery Space

1.0 Project Introduction

1.1 Overview The aim of this design access statement is to create an understanding of the current concept design of the proposed brief in line with the Salford city council guidance. The site boundary is located in Salford Quays, specifically the Waterfront Quay. The report is intended to support the planning application submitted on behalf of the client. It contains a summary of the site context, analysis, initial design proposals and depicts the progression through massing of the ideas of the architects throughout the design thought process.

Client vision; For this gallery project, the idea is to add another landmark staple for the Salford Quays area. However, what makes the need for this gallery is the smaller scale on which it is built and instead of being a grand showing of materiality it would be serving the area’s community by use of attractive landscaping, art classes and increased opportunities for jobs and income. In this way, the gallery becomes more than a landmark for tourists as it becomes a part of the identity and gathering place for the community.

Page. 2

1.2 Detailed Brief

Page. 3

The project is to construct an art gallery to hold and house the art pieces for a designated artist of choice. The artist chosen for this project is sculpturist Anthony Caro, who is known for his work with metal, bronze and iron. The need for the gallery is to add more landmarks, cultural value and increase tourism to media city.

The gallery will be on a much smaller scale than that of the Lowry and Imperial war museum for the local community to enjoy rather than larger buildings that serve more to add to the cityscape.

The brief indicates the main functional spaces required in the space, but provides freedom to the designer to add any additional spaces they feel would enhance and bring more value to the space, for any social, cultural, economic or sustainable reason justification. The design choices and rooms that have been added by the architects are listed below; Schedule of accommodation : -Entrance Foyer Area (Approx 50m2) -Information/Reception area (Approx 30m2) -Toilet Facilities: Male and Female (Approx 25m2 each, 50m2 per floor) -Admin Offices x2 (Approx 40m2 total area, 20m2 each) -Workshop spaces for small groups (Approx 30m2 each, 60m2 total area) -Exhibition spaces x2 (Approx 60m2 each, 120m2 total area) -Storage (No set amount, but should enough to store art pieces and supplies) -Large event hall, can be subdivided (Approx 100m2) -Plant room (Approx 25m2) -Circulation between spaces (Approx 20%) -Gift/Souvenir shop (Economic activity) -Cafe (Social/Economic activity) -Enhance the surrounding context (Social/Environment) -Form an attractive and distinctive identity (Social) -Accessible and easy movement around spaces -Creation of safe and inclusive public spaces (Social) -Efficient, sustainable and resilient material choices that are made to last (Environmental/Economic) Total approximate area for building: 735m2

Policies response and aims.

Additionally the accessibility , sustainability and inclusivity of the design will allow for all members of the community to use the spaces and create a safe space away from the busier town centre. The site’s landscaping design will be heavily influenced by the water and nature of the area by creating streams that allow water to directly move through the site for a better connection between nature and the users of the space. The client would also prefer that the building be constructed using methods and materials considered sustainable using systems such as renewable energy and rainwater harvesting to deal with the growing concerns with climate change and global warming.

Waterfront Quay, Salford, Proposed Gallery Space

2.0 Site Analysis

2.1 Site Location & Context

Page. 4

The application site is located on the northern side of the waterfront quay in salford quays, it is bordered by St Peters basin on the southern side and a road runs along the northern side of the site defining those boundaries. The area of the site is roughly 3087.5m2 and trapezium shaped with curved edges along the road. This site has become particularly attractive for commercial business use due to its ideal location close to media city and to the tramline on the eastern side linking it to other major parts of Manchester. The waterfront quay serves as a residential zone for small 2-storey housing on the opposite side of the basins with tne road travelling through the whole waterfront area. The policies that directly affect the design and site are the Salford Mediacity Development Framework, Salford City Local Draft plan, Greater Manchester plan for jobs, houses and the environment and the National Planning Policy.

Site highlighted in Red, with key surroundings

Journey to the site & Connectivity to Manchester

Diagram of findings

Surface textures

Access around Site

The site has sunlight directly from the southernmost side, whilst the prevailing winds enter from the eastern side. This correlates with the design decisions on orientation of the gallery space to maximise efficient use of daylighting and reduce or enhance other aspects such as noise pollution from roads and existing greenery.

Surrounding Building Heights

2.2 Site Conditions

Page. 5

2.3 Site Context Photography Photographs Around MediaCity

Page. 6

2.3 Site Context Photography Photographs Around MediaCity

Page. 7

2.3 Site Context Photography Photographs Around Site Boundary

There is a range of diverse materials and styles within Salford Quays, therefore when deciding on a style. It can be a mixed approach as the surrounding often differ from one another. In this case of the gallery being a landmark standing out wouldn’t be a negative.

Page. 8

2.4 Site Description & History

Page. 9

Historically, the site housed a shipyard as part of the Manchester docks which were used from 1894 until 1982. The boundaries on the site were a part of a section which made dock 8. The dockyards carried both ocean bounded and coastal ships which carried products as well as people from all over the world, this served as an important trading location for the economy and once closed in 1982, the area began to degrade and became relicts until the regeneration of the dockyards approximately 20 years after its closing.

To note, the change in the sites function has led to the policies affecting it be previous policies relating to shipment and transportation of goods to commercial and residential use today. The change to leisure as well as the the shift in housing from people living in the suburbs to apartments in the city all correlate to the current site and surrounding functions.

2.5 Site Surroundings NORTH

To the North, the site has a view of the Ontario Basin with a central secondary road that runs along its bounty toward the main Trafford road.

Page. 10

EAST

To the East, the site has the Metrolink tram line that connects it to the hubs of mediacity and the city centre.

WEST

The Western boundary fronts the Chandlers canal with uninhabited space across the bridge of the canal .

SOUTH

To the South is the view to the St Peters Basin, which can be used as a main design feature when considering the views from the building.

Page. 11

2.5 Site Surroundings / Significant Neighbours Lowry, MediaCity and IWMN

The Lowry is both a theatre and gallery building, opened in 2000 and designed by Micheal Wilford. The gallerys collection of various art pieces including oils, pastels and watercolour paintings by L.S Lowry, a notable figure for the community. The construction served an important role in the regeneration of the Manchester docks as it created a point of interest for tourism and was able to increase attraction to the area for business to invest in. The redevelopment of the dockyards was forefunted by the idea of creating a ‘MediaCity’ in which it would be a key hub for business in the entertainment and media industries.

The area includes studios, buildings and offices for major companies including the BBC, ITV and the University of Salford among others. The design and planning was centred around the waterfront views, turning it into a completely new and modern shopping district with cafes, bars and restaurants. (Salford City Council, 2008). The War Museum North was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind for the purpose of displaying the impacts of war on people. The museum was the first one of a series in the Imperial War Museum branch which saw expansion into the north. Since opening in 2002, the Museum has become a key landmark in defining the cityscape and character of the Salford Quays area. The influence of these landmarks has changes the and increased the amount of time spent for leisure and thus affecting policies relating to leisure activity.

2.6 Planning Guidance -

Salford Quays Development Framework Planning Guidance - In response to the Salford Quays development framework, it mentions in the key principles and strategies objectives that the structures placed along the waterfront must frame the landscape and not impose on it. This has been taken into consideration in the design phase to enhance the water element of the basin boundary.

- It also mentions (Policy MC:UK 8) that access around the site should prioritise pedestrians and footpaths instead of vehicles, therefore in the design creating an ideal, free moving space should be an aim for visitors around the building.

Salford City Council, ‘A Fairer City’ Draft Local Plan - The main points discussed in the draft local plan are transport, movement and environmental quality. This means the addition of the metrolink tram line along the site allows for better opportunities to encourage visitors to the gallery and increase the tourism of the area.

- Environmental quality means that the design must include high quality landscaping and increasing/ conserving the existing wildlife and plantlife that exists in the area in addition to managing aspects such as floors risks because of the abundance of water. The design will feature and maintain much of the existing greenery as well as adding additional spaces for plantlife to grow along the borders to manage floor ricks on the southern side.

Page. 12

Greater Manchester’s Plan for Home, Jobs and the Environment

- In response to Greater Manchester’s plan for jobs, homes and the environment. It mentions that Salford Quays has become a town centre that features many links to other parts of the area in addition to placing high emphasis on protecting the environment and nature. The design therefore has to be constructed using sustainable building materials and methods to create as little of a carbon footprint as possible.

- Since the site currently being used is a brownfield site, much of its flat terrain is gravel and stone with very little greenery, the plan for the site in the design will be encouraging natural landscaping to return and the creation of water features to encourage more interactions between the people and wildlife in a safe space

National Planning Policy

- The national planning policy explains that in order for new infrastructure to be viable they must meet the needs for both the present day clientele and the future needs. In this way all aspects in regards to social, economic and environmental factors that our building will affect must be considered such as the removal of trees or the introduction of green transportation around the site.

- Example issues regarding climate change will be addressed in the design and efforts made to make sure that materials are locally sourced to boost the local economy and reduce the embedded carbon emissions.

Page. 13

Waterfront Quay, Salford, Proposed Gallery Space

3.0 Design

3.1 Use-

Page. 14

The building designed will be used as an art gallery for archived work by the sculpturist Anthony Caro, the spaces include exhibition spaces, workshops, admins offices, cafes, gift shops, storage and an event hall. The vision for the design will not only be a single purpose gallery but allow for the expansion and showcasing of the local artists to display their works to the community to meet the growing trend of locally bought art from artists of the area and can internally redesigned to become virtually any space from offices, banqueting halls or restaurants to meet the Salford draft local plan ‘a fairer city’s aim to future proof buildings both in terms of materials and use. The building functions will also extend to the outdoors as the landscaping design will allow for temporary outdoor exhibits to encourage the local community and visitors to explore the outdoors more so than the indoors to encourage a healthier lifestyle as proven by the Salford Retail and Lesiure report, 2018.

Reason Justification;

The Salford Quays plan for media city explains that the lowry and the imperial war museum north are the galleries that make up most of the quays tourism, however with this design for the Anthony Caro gallery will create an alternative as it bases its design on the quality of the exhibits of the outdoor spaces and exhibits rather than restricting the visitors indoors. Additionally, it will increase the tourism income to the area because of the ideal location next to the metrolink stop therefore as travellers ride the public transport they will be able to catch a glimpse of the design and see the exhibits displayed outside. This is the reason for the design’s exterior landscape being developed as a marketing tool to increase the income traffic to the area.

Design concept

Page. 15

3.2 Amount-

The site total area is 3087m2, the amount that will be used for the building will be roughly 1577m2. The floorplans included displaying the ground and first floor of the proposed gallery. The design is split between the public and the private sections for visitors and staff to allow for better circulation. According to the Greater Manchester plan for housing, jobs and environment document it states that the efficient use of land should put development of buildings on brownfield sites, thereby protecting the green belt and ecological corridors.

Reason Justification;

Furthermore, the Salford local draft plan ‘a fairer city’ states as one of the key objectives is to make efficient reuse of land and to create better accessibility in and around the proposed plans for building developments. Similarly, in the proposed design the western section of the site previously has been built upon so to make efficient use of the land that section will be resumed to create the new gallery. Additionally the carparking will be reduced in size to allow for a better greenscape to border the site. Therefore the design will include elements of nature such as the inclusion of green roofs to allow for better environmental and sustainable quality.

The site will also partly be excavated to allow for streams to be created using the basin on the southern side. The site will be accessible from 3 points, one being vehicular, one being from foot and the other from the metrolink tram line located on the east side.

Ground Floorplan

1st Floorplan

3.3 Layout-

Page. 16

The site has sunlight directly from the southernmost side, whilst the prevailing winds enter from the eastern side. This correlates with the design decisions on orientation of the gallery space to maximise efficient use of daylighting and reduce or enhance other aspects such as noise pollution from roads and existing greenery. Although a section of the site would be cut to make way for a stream to allow for better connection with nature the outdoor exhibits would remain for public access for those needing to cross via its bridge. The section which will be extracted for creating streams would also inbetween feature steps which lead down to the water, this can help with creating a space for water based sports and activities for the community.

Reason Justification;

According to the Salford Quays plan for media city, the aim to frame the waterfront views are considered an important part for the arrangement of the design on site, this way in the design the event hall is cantilevered onto the waterfront the add to the cityscape view on the waterfront and does not interrupt the movement of people along the walkways of the basins as accessability around this site is important in regards to the relation to public transportation of the metrolink.

Sketch Model 1:200

3.4 Scale-

Page. 17

The building height is 10 metres high in comparison the holiday inn hotel located of the eastern side of the waterfront quay is 40 metres high and in comparison the residential homes on the southern side of the waterfront quay are a mix of 10 and 20 metres high therefore as the gallery will be situated as a standalone its important that it becomes a bridge for the community that live there and the tourists that visit. The topography of the site is relatively flat so the height of the building will not be out of place as there are no close buildings in proximity. Roughly 50.66% of the site will be used for the building including car parking whilst the rest will be green public spaces.

Design Development

Page. 18

3.5 Landscaping-

The exterior spaces will include a good amount of natural plant life and nature, the trees that border the site boundary will remain and the southern side of the site which faces the water basin will be introduced as an ecological corridor for the fauna to remain and interact with the site. The excavation of the site to create a stream will not only add a visual element to the design but also create a better walkthrough experience for the visitors as they experience and explore the outdoor exhibits. The sections in between the streams will become a part of the landscaping as they will transform into steps that will lead down to the water basin, this will help frame the building in its landscape and create a connection between the water and the site rather than them being separated elements.

Reason Justification;

The Salford draft local plan states that development of ecological corridors within busy city centres is important and being able to enhance this though the design is essential for better environmental quality of the space which is why the idea of adding a stream within the site can help with connecting the public community with nature. Therefore being able to change the environmental conditions of the site that can help engage the community more with the outdoor spaces can fit inline with the policies guidance.

Site Plan

Outdoor exhibits

3.6 Appearence-

Page. 19

The appearance of the building will be constructed using a mix of steel framework and mansory with SIPS panels used on the roof and floors. This is because of the availability of brickwork that is able to be sourced locally to reduce the environmental impact of exporting a specific brand and to help the local economy of Salford.

The SIPS panels would be beneficial as they can be constructed off site and can be slotted in at any point to save time for construction to save money for the said clients. The exterior would also feature lots of glazing because of the use of outdoor public galleries that would need to be visable from indoor spaces, this glazing would also be locally sourced.

Reason Justification;

National planning policy issues regarding the local economy in point 6 explain that helping the local companies will help boost competition and in return attract more business to the area that will achieve higher quality and standards for future needs and uses.

Axonometric

References;

Page. 20

- Greater Manchester’s plan for homes, jobs and the environment, spatial framework revised plan, 2019 https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/media/1712/gmsf_exec_summ_landscape_digital_version.pdf - National Planning Policy Framework, 2019 https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20210708211349/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationalplanning-policy-framework--2 - Salford City Council, ‘A fairer city’ Publication Salford Local Plan, 2020 https://www.salford.gov.uk/media/394997/publication-salford-local-plan-slpdmp-jan-2020.pdf - Salford City Council & Trafford Metropolitan Borough council planning guidance, Mediacity and Quays point, 2007 https://www.salford.gov.uk/media/385730/mediacity-planning-guidance-17-01-07amended2a.pdf - The Salford and Manchester Docks, Manchester History.net https://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/gone/salforddocks.html - Salford City Council, 2008 https://www.salford.gov.uk/planning-building-and-regeneration/regeneration/projects/salford-quays-and-mediacityuk/ - Salford Retail and Leisure Study final report, 2018 https://www.salford.gov.uk/media/386264/salford-retail-and-leisure-study.pdf - RIBA Plan of work, 2020 https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work *All images used have been created, drawn, edited, montages or photographed by author, unless shown otherwise.

A

A

A2 ARCHITECTS